A LEFTWICH business that specialises in qualifications for people wanting to work with animals has scooped a top national award.

iPET Network offers Ofqual-regulated qualifications and courses for people wanting to work in the animal industry, specialising in the canine and feline sector.

The company, which offers courses ranging from dog grooming and pet sitting to emergency canine first aid, has been named Animal Welfare Organisation of the Year for Manchester and north west England at the national Corporate Livewire awards.

Because of lockdown there will be no glitzy awards bash, but the team will all raise a glass to celebrate their success in the comfort of their homes.

Boss Fern Gresty said: "We were so happy to have been nominated, and then to have won this award.

"iPET Network courses are so important as they teach new and existing dog groomers and animal professionals' best practice, and how to be safe in their workplace.

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"When customers take their pets to an animal service they are handing over a member of their family, and qualified service providers understand how much of a responsibility this is, and how to do the very best job.

"We now have training providers all over the country, and another soon to open in Shropshire, we are very proud to be bringing this high standard of training to the industry we love so much."